Zimtsterne, or German Cinnamon Stars, are iconic German Christmas treats made from a chewy almond or hazelnut meringue base and topped with a crisp layer of snowy white meringue frosting. These delicate morsels are a festive favourite throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, often enjoyed alongside coffee, hot chocolate, or mulled wine during the holiday season.
Zimtsterne’s origins date back to the mid-16th century when almonds and cinnamon were rare and expensive luxuries, reserved for royalty. By the 18th century, they became more accessible and were reserved for festive occasions.
This recipe uses homemade vanilla sugar for a richer flavour, learn how to make your own homemade vanilla sugar.
Why you will love these German Cinnamon Stars
- Symbol of the Holidays: These star-shaped cookies evoke the joy of Christmas with their warm cinnamon aroma and festive appearance.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Made without flour, they are perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Delicate and Delicious: With their macaron-like texture, crispy outside and chewy inside, they are a delightful addition to any holiday table.
- Perfect Gift: Packaged beautifully, they make thoughtful edible Christmas gifts.
Tips for Perfect Zimtsterne
- Keep the Dough Cool: The sticky nut-based dough can be tricky to handle; chill it for easier rolling and cutting.
- Shape Carefully: Use a star cutter and press gently to keep the points intact.
- Even Frosting: Use a spoon, pastry brush, or toothpick to evenly spread the meringue icing to the edges.
- Don’t Over bake: The cookies should feel soft out of the oven but will harden as they cool.
- Storage : Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
These traditional Zimtsterne cookies are a must-try for your holiday baking. Their nutty sweetness and warm cinnamon flavour capture the magic of Christmas. Pair them with a hot cup of mulled wine or coffee for a treat everyone will love.
German Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne)
Ingredients
- Recipe Ingredients:
- 3 large egg whites
- 250 g / 2 cups icing sugar plus extra for rolling
- 1 packet 8g Vanilla Sugar or 2 tsp Homemade Vanilla Sugar
- 3 drops Ruf Bitter Almond bitter almond flavouring
- 1 level teaspoon / 2g ground cinnamon
- 300 g / 3 cups ground almonds
For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons reserved egg white mixture
- ¼ teaspoon water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 140°C (285°F).
- Whip Egg Whites: Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the icing sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until glossy.
- Reserve Glaze: Reserve 2 tablespoons of this mixture for the glaze.
- Mix Dough: Add homemade vanilla Sugar, bitter almond, cinnamon, and half of the ground almonds, mix until combined.
- Knead Dough: Knead in the remaining almonds to form a dough.
- Roll and Cut: Sprinkle icing sugar on your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to ½ cm (¼ inch) thickness. Cut out stars using a cookie cutter and place them on a lined or greased baking tray. Dip the star-shaped cookie cutter in icing sugar between cuts to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the shapes.
- Arrange on a Tray: Place them on a lined or greased baking tray.
- Re-Roll Dough: This dough can be kneaded together and re-rolled multiple times. Continue to knead, roll, and cut out stars until all the dough is used up.
- Prepare Glaze: Mix the reserved egg white mixture with water. Brush a thin layer onto each star.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes. The cookies should feel slightly soft underneath when removed from the oven.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
5 Essential Tools I Recommend for Baking Zimtsterne
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Helpful Official & Shopping Links
Here are a few sites where you can explore more tools and accessories:
- Wilton Baking on Amazon – A wide range of bakeware, decorating tools and cookie accessories.
- Wilton Official Site – Visit the official Wilton site for top‑quality bakeware, decorating tools, and baking inspiration. Wilton has been helping home bakers create beautiful cookies, cakes and treats since 1929, with a full range of products, from cookie sheets and pans to icing tools and decorating accessories, plus recipes and tips to level up your baking. Start exploring Wilton’s world of tools and inspiration here.
- KitchenAid on Amazon – Discover a wide range of KitchenAid appliances and kitchenware, from their legendary stand mixers to coffee and espresso machines, baking accessories, and essential kitchen tools. Whether you’re whipping up Zimtsterne, kneading dough, or brewing your morning coffee, KitchenAid offers high-quality, durable products that make cooking and baking easier and more enjoyable.
- Kitchen Aid Official Site – Head to the official KitchenAid online store to explore their full lineup of premium kitchen appliances. From their legendary stand mixers to sleek countertop appliances, KitchenAid delivers quality and performance for every home cook and baker.
My Favourite German Baking Recipes
Peach Flan (Obsttorte) – A classic German cake with a light sponge base, juicy peaches, and a glossy Tortenguss topping.
German Cheesecake – A classic Käsekuchen with a rich cottage cheese layer and buttery base.
Syrupkuchen Cookies – These cookies are perfect for gifting or Santa’s milk and cookies display.
Ottilienkuchen – A traditional German loaf cake made with butter, almonds, chocolate, and mixed peel, often using Dr. Oetker ingredients for an authentic taste.
Traditional Butterkuchen – A soft yeast-based sheet cake with butter, sugar, and almonds, best enjoyed fresh and served with coffee.
I Would Love to Hear From You
Have you tried this Zimtsterne recipe? Share your experience and tips with me.